Is Cat Vomit Normal?!
Your cat just vomited again—should you be worried?
As a full-time pet sitter for over a decade and a former vet tech, I can’t count how many times I’ve heard cat parents say, “Oh, it’s normal—my cat throws up all the time.” But here’s the truth: regular vomiting is not normal.
Think about it—it's not normal for us to vomit frequently, and it’s not normal for your cat either.
When Vomiting Might Be Normal
The one semi-normal exception? Hairballs—especially for long-haired cats. Cats groom themselves constantly, and sometimes they ingest enough fur to form a hairball. That’s understandable… but even hairballs shouldn’t be happening too often.
Tips to help with hairballs:
Brush your cat regularly to reduce loose hair.
Use a gentle hairball remedy recommended by your vet.
Try a hairball control diet or treats.
Another common cause of occasional vomiting is eating too fast. Some cats gobble up their meals and throw up shortly after.
Tips to slow down fast eaters:
Feed smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
Use a slow feeder bowl or a puzzle feeder.
Spread food out on a flat surface like a licky mat so they can’t scarf it down quickly.
When Vomiting Is a Red Flag
If you’ve ruled out hairballs and eating too fast, it’s time to call your vet. Vomiting could be a symptom of a deeper health issue that needs medical attention.
Here are some red flags to watch for:
Vomiting multiple times a day, or several times a week
Vomiting paired with weight loss, lethargy, or lack of appetite
Blood in the vomit
Behavioral changes or signs of discomfort
Abnormal bowel movements—or no bowel movements at all
Cats are notorious for hiding signs of illness until things are serious. It’s much easier (and more cost-effective) to address health concerns early rather than wait until your cat is really sick.
Common Causes of Frequent Vomiting in Cats
Food allergies or sensitivities
Parasites
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Hyperthyroidism
Kidney disease
Exposure to toxins
When in Doubt, Call the Vet
A good rule of thumb: If your cat is vomiting more than once or twice a week—or if there are other concerning symptoms—contact your vet.
Vomiting may not always be an emergency, but it’s something that should be monitored closely. If you’re unsure how often it’s happening, consider keeping a simple “vomit log” to track each incident. It can be incredibly helpful for you and your vet.
If you're ever unsure, it's better to ask than to wait. Your cat deserves to feel their best—and you deserve peace of mind. Email us at Admin@AuntieM-PetCare.com if you’ve had success in helping your cat stop vomiting—we’d love to hear your story!